Proverbs 3:13-15 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Matthew 13:44-46 The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Finding Treasure

Which is greater, a nickel or a dime? It depends, right? It’s not that easy of a question. If you are talking about weight or size, a nickel is greater. If you are talking about monetary value, a dime is worth twice as much. Wouldn’t it be foolish if someone wanted to trade dimes for nickels?

What is worth more to you, gold or wisdom? In other words, would you rather be wealthy or wise?

You can be the richest person in the world, but if you make foolish choices or act foolishly, you will hurt yourself and hurt others. You can be the smartest kid in your class, but if you only use your intelligence to make fun of people or so you can slack off in class, is your brilliance that valuable? If you are strong or fast or artistic or talented but you don’t know the difference between right and wrong, then your skills won’t end up helping you or anyone else.

God’s Word says that wisdom is more valuable than gold, silver, and jewels. God is saying that knowing Him and trusting Him in how to live rightly is the most valuable thing you could seek in your life. Knowing the proverbs will help you do that. The understanding you’ll gain will be more valuable than a treasure chest full of gold.

1. What is the most valuable thing your mom or dad has ever taught you?

2. What is your most valuable possession? If you lost it, how hard would you look for it?

3. Is there anyone in your life who seems godly and wise to you? A parent? A teacher or coach? An aunt or uncle? What questions do you think they could help you answer to help you “find wisdom”? Read Matthew 13:44–46.

4. How are these words from Jesus about treasure similar to the treasures in Proverbs 3:13–15?

5. After reading these two passages, think about two or three questions you have about these verses.

6. What other verses in the Bible help to answer your questions?

7. What do you think is the most important idea of these two passages, Matthew 13:44–46 and Proverbs 3:13–15?

8. What do these verses ask or inspire you to think, feel, or do?